Atlanta Falcons: Look for Matthews, Massaquoi to pick up most of Edwards’ playing time
FLOWERY BRANCH — In the aftermath of the stunning decision to release Ray Edwards, there was a big hole on the Falcons’ depth chart for the first time this season.
Kroy Biermann, who was playing more than Edwards, slid into the No. 1 slot at left defensive end on the team’s unofficial depth chart.
Cliff Matthews, a special-teams standout, figures to benefit the most from Edwards’ release, followed by rookie Jonathan Massaquoi and fourth-year defensive end Lawrence Sidbury.
061312 FLOWERY BRANCH: Falcons defensive ends Cliff Matthews (left) and Ray Edwards (right) walk off the field at the end of team practice in Flowery Branch on Wednesday, June 13, 2012. CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM
Massaquoi is listed as No. 2 behind Biermann, and Sidbury is listed as No. 2 behind John Abraham — followed by Matthews.
“They are all doing well,” defensive line coach Ray Hamilton said Thursday. “They have been practicing all year, but they haven’t been practicing on our side of the ball a whole lot because they’ve been doing mostly scout-team stuff.”
Edwards had played an average of 23 snaps per game. Biermann likely will take on eight of those plays, leaving about 15 snaps to be filled by the other defensive ends because the Falcons like to use a rotation to keep players fresh.
“Their mindset has changed a little bit this week,” Hamilton said. “They know they have a chance to play, and they are doing well.”
Matthews, a seventh-round pick in 2011, is the most similar in stature to Edwards, who played mostly against the run in the Falcons’ base 4-3 defense.
“Cliff is a big, strong and physical guy that we’ve always liked,” Hamilton said. “We think that he’s come along enough to get in there and get a few snaps.”
Massaquoi, a local product from Central Gwinnett High, is working to refine his skills. He was inactive for the first eight games of the season. He played five plays on special teams Sunday against New Orleans in his NFL debut.
Hamilton is high on Massaquoi.
“Massaquoi is a guy that’s got a lot of physical ability, a lot of good football instincts,” Hamilton said. “He’s just a raw kid right now. Hopefully, he’s learned enough to get in there. We’ll see what he can do.”
The Falcons need to improve on defense against the run and would like to ramp up their pass rush. Abraham leads the team with seven sacks, and Biermann has two.
Overall, the Falcons have 21 sacks, which is tied for 13th in the league with Indianapolis and New Orleans. Denver leads with 31 sacks. Also, the defense has given up 129.8 yards per game, which ranks 25th.
Sidbury has the most experience of the trio.
“His chances of playing are going up also,” Hamilton said.
Falcons defensive end Lawrence Sidbury celebrates a defensive touchdown during his rookie season in 2009. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
The Falcons have pulled Matthews off some of the special teams in order for him to better focus on playing from scrimmage.
“He looks like the real deal,” Hamilton said. “He’s a guy that we’ve brought along slowly.”
The door clearly is open for Matthews, who played at South Carolina and was a second-team all-SEC pick in 2010.
“We need a big physical guy, so Cliff could be the one who mostly benefits by what has happened,” Hamilton said.
First-year defensive coordinator Mike Nolan uses some of his ends like 3-4 outside linebackers. Against the Saints, Biermann dropped into coverage 16 yards on one play. There are times when he stands up and blitzes or plays the run.
Sidbury would like to see some of that action, too.
“I’m comfortable with everything,” Sidbury said. “I’ve shown, in the times that I have gotten to play, that I’m comfortable with everything. I don’t have any uneasiness with anything. It’s fun to do. Yes, you have to think a little bit more, but I’m able to handle it with no problem.”
Matthews, who was inactive for all 16 games last season, clearly is excited about the opportunity.
Defensive players look on as Falcons rookie defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi dives to block a soccer ball during a simulated punt drill at team practice in Flowery Branch on Sunday, July 29, 2012. CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM
“I’m ready,” said Matthews, who said he’s been getting in extra film work. “All I have to do is take advantage of the opportunity.”
Massaquoi had 20 sacks one season in junior college and was a standout at Troy.
“Jonathan is a very athletic defensive end,” coach Mike Smith said. “He’s an explosive player. He’s a strong guy. His role will probably have an opportunity to change a little bit this week.”
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70 comments Add your comment
The Rev
November 16th, 2012
2:43 pm
It’s too bad that Bierman doesn’t get as much credit as he should. Whenever he is in the game it seems like he gets consistant pressure on the QB. Also Jaquizz should be getting more snaps. In my opinion he is doing way more than Turner is doing.
DePlane
November 16th, 2012
2:50 pm
I’m also looking forward to Massaquoi….dude is a beast!
Tom(Independent Viet Vet-USAF)
November 16th, 2012
3:03 pm
Does anyone expect newly signed Tim Toone(WR) to get any playing time. I remember a really fast white guy with good hands in preseason? Guys, don’t make anything out of me saying white guy please. Just a description I remember!
Roswell Falcon
November 16th, 2012
3:03 pm
Sid has always made plays IMO. Got four sacks last year and not all that many snaps. Can’t wait to see the other guys as well, both were beasts in college.
And while we’re at it, lets give gome guys their shot at toting the rock. We know Snelling runs hard and Antone can fly, why not give Turner a day off and see what they can or can’t do?
Big Donnie
November 16th, 2012
3:07 pm
It’s time to cut Michael Turner and let Snelling/Quizz take the reigns. Later, fatso
PHL Falcons Fan
November 16th, 2012
3:57 pm
Even though playing DE is easier than middle linebacker or corner, here is some evidence that it’s not easy to coach someone up or the coaching needs a paradigm shift across the league:
Why can’t a blitz guy with a free shot at brees or rodgers slow down and force the QB to move to a higher risk area, knowing that the blitzer probably won’t get a sack, but will disrupt the play or create a higher risk play, instead of rushing like a stupid bull and getting the red cape treatment and see those QB’s rush for 10 yards and a first down?
Why can’t any CB in the league learn to go for the feet and push the feet out of bounds when the player is close to the side lines, especially on an out or an endzone play? Watching corners go for the chest when i could push one foot out before it touches keeps me screaming at the TV, and with DirecTV, that’s a lot of noise with eight games on at once.
Sometimes football seems like the military,where it takes somebody shooting you in the a$$ with an airplane to make the general realize that airplanes are the future. It will take someone pushing the feet out of bounds on a key playoff touchdown to save a game to get people to coach to the new rules.
JCB
PlanB
November 16th, 2012
5:14 pm
PHL FF – I agree completely and have made comment on blitzing like a bull and getting nothing but thin air. Once almost there, slow down & make the QB change direction unless you know you have a direct hit coming.
Most plays it is difficult to get into position to get one of his feet out but makes sense when possible. Good post.
Singing Toilet Water
November 16th, 2012
5:32 pm
Faa la la la laaa
Treeofwoe
November 16th, 2012
5:34 pm
If Sidbury is producing coaches need to put him on the field and get over any personal feelings they have for him. I don’t get it. 85 snaps and 12 affects means he’s producing at a higher rate than even Biermann so what gives? 14% > 9% (Biermann 20 affects in 218 snaps). I agree with DLED. When GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY Sidbury has made plays. It shouldn’t be rocket science. LET THE MAN PLAY. If he’s successful it’ll make everyone look good. SMH
Treeofwoe
November 16th, 2012
5:37 pm
Having Sid play behind Abe (meaning he never plays) is a waste of talent. Put him in at every given opportunity. When’s the last time we’ve even seen him sub for anyone? Last year. I know Nolan is new but we have a gem sitting on the sidelines. HOPEFULLY now that Ray is gone that relieves the log jam.
PHL Falcons Fan
November 16th, 2012
7:24 pm
Thanks, PlanB. Great point on position!
Great Falconi
November 16th, 2012
8:19 pm
Sidbury will get opportunities on passing downs. Glad Edwards is out.
bama52
November 16th, 2012
8:44 pm
Now we still need to look at the offensive line. Something is seriously wrong, we can not run block not even in short yardage situations. Most NFL lines surge forward on runs, our offensive lineman are knocked in the backfield on running plays. Something’s wrong and if we are to move to a complete super bowl contending team, that offensive line must improve.
bama52
November 16th, 2012
8:51 pm
At the defensive end position Sidbury,Matthew, and Massaquoi should get more playing time. Abram is playing tire to much. Take notes from the Steelers and Giants how they rotate defensive linemen.
Posts about The Falcons From Other Great Blogs issue #1 | Falcons - NFC South Daily | Atlanta Falcons Blog
November 16th, 2012
10:29 pm
[...] at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Thursday, August 16, 2012. CURTIS COMPTON / CCO more… Atlanta Falcons: Look for Matthews, Massaquoi to pick up most of Edwards’ playing time – blogs.ajc.com 11/16/2012 FLOWERY BRANCH — In the aftermath of the stunning decision [...]
Terry Hicks
November 16th, 2012
10:47 pm
Enter your comments here
Adogg36
November 17th, 2012
12:04 pm
Big Donny; U a fool for dat one.But I like dat one.
JayCool4DaBirds
November 17th, 2012
11:11 pm
Ok so Turner is averaging 3.8 yd/carry and Quizz is averaging 3.7 yd/carry. I’m a season ticket holder and I’ve seen Quizz get stuffed on the same right up the middle runs that Turner has. My point Quizz isn’t better then Turner, he is a change of pace back. When there is a hole Turner runs through the hole and gains positive yardage, when there is nothing sometimes he still makes something out of it. But I hope for one game you Turner bashers get your wish and hopefully Quizz won’t get his head ripped off. Running backs don’t accidentally run for 1,000+ yards 3 out of 4 (the fourth being a season he got hurt) seasons and not be good, get for real. He is on pace to get 1,000 this season on less carries. There is not a back in the NFL who gets positive yards on every carry, most running backs break one or two carries a game for big yardage to stuff their stats. He might not be the same guy he was when he got here but he is still a highly productive back and the part you guys overlook is how you don’t have to worry about him turning the ball over. Act Right!!!! Rise UP!!!!!!!
Joseph in Miami
November 18th, 2012
10:52 am
It has been clear that Ray E. was developing into a bust. Remember after he was sign, he then was
injured and never played to the level we expected. The next train wreck to happen is Jerry P. Please
look at his overall stats, is this performance of a 1st round pick? I think not! It will be interesting to
see how the Falcons respond after the dumping of Edwards. The powers that be have made it clear that if you don’t perform at a high level, we will show you the door. Turner is a question mark right now. I think he is looking at the mirror and saying to himself, I better get going on this run game or
else. The next 3 games will test the Falcons and see if they can make the adjustments. I love my
Falcons and I think they are ready to win in the playoffs and the super bowl. But you have to proof it
each and every play. GO FALCONS
willy p
November 18th, 2012
3:26 pm
RYAN NEEDS TO CALM DOWN AND LEED HIS RECIEVERS MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!